Proclamation 9405-Death of Nancy Reagan
Issued 2016-03-07 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation on March 7, 2016, following the death of former First Lady Nancy Reagan. The action orders that the American flag be flown at half-staff at specific federal locations as a mark of respect for her memory. This lowering of the flag continues until sunset on the day of her interment.
The proclamation applies to all flags at the White House, public buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories. It also covers all U.S. embassies, consular offices, and military facilities abroad.
This type of proclamation falls into the ceremonial category, expressing national sentiment at the passing of a notable American. The President cited authority vested in him by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Presidential proclamations have been issued since George Washington's time, though their legal force depends on whether they invoke specific statutory authority granted by Congress.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation issues "Proclamation 9405-Death of Nancy Reagan". Presidents have issued proclamations since George Washington, and they carry the force of law when grounded in specific statutory authority delegated by Congress. Proclamations can be ceremonial (expressing national sentiment) or substantive (exercising delegated trade, immigration, or emergency powers).
The legal weight of this proclamation depends on the specific statutory authority it invokes. Without statutory backing, a proclamation is merely an expression of executive policy with no binding legal effect on citizens. With statutory backing, it can create enforceable rules — but those rules must stay within the scope of what Congress authorized.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9405—Death of Nancy Reagan March 7, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a mark of respect for the memory of Nancy Reagan, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. B ARACK O BAMA [Filed with the